1. Wah Pedal Usage: Hammett's use of the wah-wah pedal is distinctive. He often employs the pedal throughout entire songs, creating dynamic tonal variations. His signature "dive bomb" effect is achieved by combining the wah-wah pedal with heavy vibrato.
2. Pinch Harmonics: Hammett is one of the pioneers of using pinch harmonics extensively in rock and metal music. He utilizes pinch harmonics to create high-pitched, screaming overtones that add an aggressive edge to his playing.
3. Tapping: Hammett incorporates two-handed tapping into his solos. This technique involves using both hands to fret and pick notes on the fretboard simultaneously, allowing him to execute rapid-fire melodic lines and complex patterns.
4. Heavy Palm Muting: Kirk Hammett is known for his heavy use of palm muting, which involves resting the picking hand against the strings to mute them while still producing a rhythmic attack. This technique contributes to the thick and distorted sound of his guitar playing.
5. Unison Riffs: Hammett's songwriting incorporates harmonized guitar parts where two guitars play the same riff in perfect sync, creating a rich, textured sound.
6. Hybrid Picking: Hammett uses a picking technique called hybrid picking, combining the use of a guitar pick and fingers plucking the strings. This technique allows for a wide range of dynamics and articulations.
While Hammett did not invent all of these techniques, he is recognized for popularizing and refining them within the heavy metal genre, influencing other guitarists and leaving an indelible mark on rock and metal music.